Medical coders are integral members of the healthcare industry who assist doctors and other health professionals across several areas. Medical coders oversee patient health records, analyze reimbursement terms, and review healthcare regulations compliance. If you’re looking to build a career in healthcare, getting medical coding certifications is an excellent place to start.
This article examines some of the highest-paying medical certifications and the jobs you can get with them. Additionally, we discuss typical preparatory resources for the certification exams and how to use them. Keep reading to find out more.
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What Is a Professional Certification?
Professional certification is a designated credential or document that signifies an individual’s knowledge, skills, and competencies in a specific task or field of training. You can get one by passing a test or series of tests administered by a professional agency or educational institution.
What’s the Difference Between a Certification and a Certificate?
The difference between a certification and a certificate is that you get the former when you meet standard, predetermined criteria established by a professional credentialing organization. It involves paying an exam fee, writing the tests or exams, and renewing the certification after a specific period.
A certificate is an academic document that demonstrates the completion of a course or series of lessons in one particular field. You can get one by enrolling in a certificate program at an accredited educational institution.
Why Is Certification in Medical Coding Important?
Certification in medical coding is important because it proves your expertise in healthcare coding systems and health information technology. Medical coding is a stable career, with Bureau of Labor Statistics figures indicating that jobs in health information and medical records will grow by around nine percent over the next decade.
Best Medical Coding Certifications by Salary
| Certification | Provider | Average Salary | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC®) | American Association of Professional Coders | $65,000 | $349/exam (first attempt); $449/exam (second attempt) |
| Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)® | Practice Management Institute | $63,000 | $299/exam |
| Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) | American Association of Professional Coders | $61,000 | $1,607.74 (online with add-ons and full AAPC membership); $1,738.74 (in-person with add-ons and full AAPC membership) |
| Certified Medical Insurance Specialist (CMIS)® | Practice Management Institute | $59,994 | $299/exam |
| Certified Outpatient Coder (COC®) | American Association of Professional Coders | $57,000 | $1,234.70 (with add-ons and full AAPC membership) |
| Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT®) | American Health Information Management Association | $54,881 | $299 (non-member price); $229 (member price) |
| Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P®) | American Health Information Management Association | $67,000 | $399 (non-member price); $299 (member price) |
| Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS®) | American Medical Billing Association | $49,000 | $325 |
| Certified Medical Coder (CMC)® | Practice Management Institute | $51,000 | $1,250 |
| Certified Coding Associate (CCA®) | American Health Information Management Association | $44,000 | $299 (non-member price); $199 (member price) |
Best Medical Coding Certifications to Further Your Career
This certification is ideal for high-level healthcare professionals looking to break into medical insurance and claims management. The four-hour exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions administered by a proctor and covers compliance, diagnostics coding, and risk adjustment.
Furthermore, candidates must register as AAPC members and score at least 70 percent on the exam to receive the certification. You must also complete 36 continuing education units bi-annually to renew it.
Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC®) Overview
- Average Salary: $65,000
- Cost: $349/exam (first attempt); $449/exam (second attempt)
- Requirements: Up-to-date AAPC membership, two years of professional experience
- Valid For: Two years
- Exam Length: 100 multiple-choice questions in four hours
- Best Suited For: Medical coding professionals who want to upskill
Potential Careers With Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC®)
You must complete a course at PMI to obtain this certification. You will learn operations management, practical administrative skills, and decision-making techniques during the coursework. Consequently, it is appropriate for coders and other medical professionals who want to work in administration.
Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)® Overview
- Average Salary: $63,000
- Cost: $299/exam
- Requirements: One year of professional experience, exam review, physical course manual
- Valid For: One year
- Exam Length: Three hours
- Best Suited For: Medical professionals who want to work in management
Potential Careers With Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)®
This certification is beneficial to individuals with substantial medical coding experience. However, AAPC also offers professional training and practice exams to industry newbies who want to obtain it. You’ll write a four-hour exam containing 100 multiple-choice questions to receive this two-year certification.
Certified Professional Coder Overview
- Average Salary: $61,000
- Cost: $1,607.74 (online with add-ons and full AAPC membership); $1,738.74 (in-person with add-ons and full AAPC membership)
- Requirements: Full AAPC membership, two years of professional experience, 36 continuing education units
- Valid For: Two years
- Exam Length: Four hours
- Best Suited For: Experienced professional coders looking to for an advanced medical coding program.
Potential Careers With Certified Professional Coder
This certification program covers health insurance basics, medical documentation, medicare, and insurance collection methods. It is suitable for professionals who want to understand documentation principles and stay abreast of current industry developments. It contains 20 continuing education units that are renewable annually.
Certified Medical Insurance Specialist (CMIS)® Overview
- Average Salary: $59,994
- Cost: $299/exam
- Requirements: At least one year of professional experience, CPT and HCPCS code sets
- Valid For: One year
- Exam Length: Four hours
- Best Suited For: Coding specialists who want to become medical insurance experts
Potential Careers With Certified Medical Insurance Specialist (CMIS)®
Professionals who want to work in hospital emergency departments, ambulatory surgery units, and outpatient hospital clinics will find this certification valuable. You must also pass the exam with a score over 70 percent to receive the certification. Furthermore, your expertise in medical terminology, payment methodology, and outpatient coding will improve during the program.
Certified Outpatient Coder (COC®) Overview
- Average Salary: $57,000
- Cost: $1,234.70 (with add-ons and full AAPC membership)
- Requirements: Full AAPC membership, associate degree (optional), two years of professional experience, 36 continuing education units
- Valid For: Two years
- Exam Length: 100 multiple-choice questions in four hours
- Best Suited For: Outpatient coders with experience handling payment systems, surgical services, and medical claim denials
Potential Careers With Certified Outpatient Coder (COC®)
This certification is suitable for healthcare technicians in home-health facilities, pharmaceutical companies, nursing homes, and public health facilities. Candidates who receive this certification are qualified to work with and analyze patient health records. Additionally, it is affordable for members and non-members of AHIMA, so candidates don’t have to spend a fortune on this certification.
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT®) Overview
- Average Salary: $54,881
- Cost: $299 (non-member price); $229 (member price)
- Requirements: Associate degree or equivalent
- Valid For: Two years
- Exam Length: 130 to 160 questions in three and a half hours
- Best Suited For: Coders looking to break into health informatics
Potential Careers With Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT®)
You must have at least two years of coding experience, hold a prior certification from AHIMA, or complete some courses to be eligible for this certification exam. Furthermore, candidates must be data integrity and health information documentation experts as they will spend time analyzing and assigning code to patient records.
Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P®) Overview
- Average Salary: $67,000
- Cost: $399 (non-member price); $299 (member price)
- Requirements: Two years of related coding experience; CCA, CCS, RHIA, or RHIT credentials (all optional)
- Valid For: Two years
- Exam Length: 97 to 121 questions in four hours
- Best Suited For: Coding specialists who want to learn more about coding strategies in physicians’ practices
Potential Careers With Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P®)
This certification is available to medical reimbursement specialists who meet industry standards. Additionally, it is the oldest, most comprehensive certification for US medical billers, and you can complete the exam in 45 days. However, you must renew your AMBA membership, which costs $99 per year.
Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist Overview
- Average Salary: $49,000
- Cost: $325
- Requirements: AMBA membership, high school diploma or equivalent, a few years of professional experience, access to current HCPCS, CPT, and ICD-10 code books
- Valid For: One year
- Exam Length: 694 questions in 45 days
- Best Suited For: Medical professionals who want to improve patient disbursement and revenue allocation strategies
Potential Careers With Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist
A Certified Medical Coder certification is an excellent credential that medical coding professionals should have. It signifies a mastery of reimbursement cycles, medical terminology, and procedural coding. All candidates must complete several courses in the program to be eligible for the certification exam.
Certified Medical Coder (CMC)® Overview
- Average Salary: $51,000
- Cost: $1,250
- Requirements: One year of work experience in outpatient medical coding, current CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10-CM editions.
- Valid For: One year
- Exam Length: Six hours
- Best Suited For: Individuals with basic knowledge of medical coding practices
Potential Careers With Certified Medical Coder (CMC)®
This certification is a national achievement standard in health information management. It is helpful to professionals working in hospitals, nursing homes, physician practices, and other health settings. Additionally, it has a high pass rate for first-time candidates, making it obtainable with adequate preparation.
Certified Coding Associate (CCA®) Overview
- Average Salary: $44,000
- Cost: $299 (non-member price); $199 (member price)
- Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, six months of coding experience, completion of an AHIMA-approved coding program
- Valid For: Two years
- Exam Length: 90 to 115 questions in two hours
- Best Suited For: People looking to break into the medical coding industry
Potential Careers With Certified Coding Associate (CCA®)
How to Choose the Best Medical Coding Certification for Your Career
You must consider cost, career goals, and learning environment when choosing a certification. The best medical coding certifications typically offer candidates various certification options depending on their experience level and budget. Below, we discuss tips for choosing the best medical coding certifications in detail.
Consider the Training Schedule for the Certification
Some certification programs only require that you register for an exam. However, others may require candidates to receive in-person training to be eligible for it. Depending on your schedule, you may prefer one over the other. You should choose the one that best fits your schedule and professional needs.
Consider Your Career Goals
Some certification programs focus on risk adjustment, medical claim denials, and practice management. Others, like the CPC® certification, allow you to become a healthcare business professional without prior experience. However, you can become a professional coder with a few years of experience or train with the AAPC and pass the certification exam.
Work Within a Budget
You may want to get one of the top certifications in this field if you are an experienced professional. However, these can be expensive and you may want to consider getting cheaper, lower-level certifications first. You can use free budgeting apps to manage your finances, save up, and get the costlier certifications later.
Which Medical Coding Certifications Pay the Most?
The medical certifications that pay the most are the Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC®), Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM®), Certified Professional Coder (CPC®), Certified Medical Insurance Specialist (CMIS®), and Certified Outpatient Coder (COC®) certifications.
You can earn between $57,000 and $65,000 annually if you have any of these certifications. Note that the figures above are average salaries and you can potentially earn more depending on your experience and the organization you work for.
Highest-Paying Medical Coding Certifications
- Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC®): $65,000
- Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM®): $63,000
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC®): $61,000
- Certified Medical Insurance Specialist (CMIS®): $59,994
- Certified Outpatient Coder (COC®): $57,000
Which Medical Coding Certifications Are the Best for Beginners?
The best medical coding certifications for beginners are the Certified Professional Coder (CPC®), Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P®), and Certified Medical Coder (CMC®) certifications. They are great for entry-level medical coders as they test the basics of medical coding principles.
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Best College Certificate Programs
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How to Prepare for Your Medical Coding Certification Exam
Medical coding exam prep is essential when you want to obtain a professional certification in medical healthcare. You can take either take the preparatory courses, do your own reading, or look into other relevant resources offered by professional associations. Below, we discuss these in detail.
Best Courses to Prepare for Medical Coding Certification Exams
The best medical coding prep courses are available across various platforms. Agencies that provide certifications and educational institutions offer several of them. Most of these courses require that you pay a small fee in order to enroll.
- Cost: $2,995
- Duration: 11 months or more
- Best Suited For: Certified Medical Coder (CMC)®, Certified Coding Associate (CCA®)
This course covers medical terminology, procedural coding, and medical insurance. It is also fully online, giving you the option to complete it remotely. It is highly esteemed and candidates who complete the course work in hospitals and the healthcare industry.
- Cost: $325
- Duration: N/A
- Best Suited For: Certified Medical Coder (CMC)®, Certified Professional Coder (CPC®)
This course includes various activities and materials to aid students’ understanding of human anatomical structures and physiology. It also discusses anatomical and physiological terms and the functions of body systems. This certification is suitable for individuals working in nursing homes, hospitals, and public health facilities.
- Cost: $463.95
- Duration: One year
- Best Suited For: Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS®), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT®)
This course deals with the basics of revenue allocation, patient disbursement records, and healthcare fund regulations. It also examines fraud and abuse cases. Additionally, students learn to use computerized encoding and grouping software to classify documents.
- Cost: $99
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Best Suited For: Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS®), Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC®)
This course discusses the details of risk adjustment models and medical diagnosis coding. It focuses on the relationship between revenue allocation and claims analysis in healthcare settings. This course is a great option for those looking for the flexibility of online training.
- Cost: $199
- Duration: 176 minutes
- Best Suited For: Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM®)
This course caters to medical office managers and outpatient coders. It centers on team engagement techniques, patient plan implementation, and marketing strategy for sustainable patient care. Additionally, students learn to channel these experiences to build solid healthcare plans and reputation management policies.
Other Resources to Prepare for Your Medical Coding Certification Exams
You can incorporate other resources into your medical coding certification prep, on top of the courses listed above. Read on to learn more about additional resources which include books and webinars.
Clinical Coding Workout: Practice Exercises for Skill Development with Odd-Numbered Online Answers
This book is a provision from the American Health Information Management Association. It contains over 1,000 practice coding exercises to prepare you for various aspects of the certification exam, including topics like disease management and body system classification.
Clinical Coding Workout: Practice Exercises for Skill Development with Odd-Numbered Online Answers Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $89.95
- Ideal For: Professionals who want to practice clinical coding exercises
Advanced Coding & Auditing Bootcamp
This six-hour bootcamp covers provider service coding, self-audit protocols, and coding errors in medical reimbursement and patient record analysis. As it is an advanced-level course, you will need to consult relevant code sets and manuals to understand the lessons thoroughly. The course material is available online for six months after the program concludes.
Advanced Coding & Auditing Bootcamp Overview
- Type of Resource: Bootcamp
- Cost: $299
- Ideal For: Professional coders and auditors looking to improve efficiency and reduce practice risk
ICD-10-CM 2022: The Complete Official Codebook
This codebook contains updated coding guidelines and the latest codes surrounding major complication or comorbidity (MCC) and complication or comorbidity (CC). It also covers the American Hospital Association (AHA) Coding Clinic references. Its color-coded sections and anatomical art depictions enable readers to locate and understand relevant information quickly.
ICD-10-CM 2022: The Complete Official Codebook Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $115
- Ideal For: Candidates preparing for Certified Coding Associate (CCA®) certification exams
E/M Chart Auditing Workshop
This workshop deals with medical auditing processes and verifying claim submissions via chart documentation. It also aids your understanding of decision-making criteria in medical claims and is suitable for compliance officers, office managers, and medical consultants.
E/M Chart Auditing Workshop Overview
- Type of Resource: Workshop
- Cost: $299
- Ideal For: Management personnel looking to understand auditing processes and minimize unnecessary financial regulatory oversight
2022 HCPCS Level II, Professional Edition
This book is an excellent guide to current Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes. It contains relevant coding regulations, patient data report methods, reimbursement options, and master ICD-10 coding. Furthermore, it provides vital indicators for medical equipment and manufacturer codes.
2022 HCPCS Level II, Professional Edition Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $94.95
- Ideal For: Healthcare reimbursement specialists looking to understand coding plans better
Best Online Courses
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Medical Coding Job Outlook and Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for medical records and health information roles is on the incline. It is projected to grow by nine percent over the next decade. Additionally, medical assistant jobs are expected to grow 18 percent in the same period, which signifies tremendous opportunities in the field.
BLS also states that medical records and health information specialists make an average of $51,840 per year. If you are just starting a career in medical coding, getting a professional certification is a great way to boost your financial and career prospects in the healthcare field. Below, we discuss some of the best medical coding jobs that you can pursue after obtaining a relevant certification.
Best Medical Coding Jobs After Certification
The best medical coding jobs typically involve working in a hospital setting which can be very demanding. Another option is for you to venture into roles in the allied healthcare fields, which you can pursue after getting the certifications recommended above. Here are some of the roles that you can look forward to.
This role involves assessing various factors to determine accurate patient risk scores. You must be very organized and detail-oriented to succeed in this role, as it requires lots of documentation and analysis. A risk adjustment coding certification demonstrates your ability to review patient data and make critical decisions regarding their health and well-being.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC®). This certification provides you with the technical knowledge and skill to work in this role.
Coding compliance specialists oversee and supervise the implementation of medical billing and coding regulations. The role also involves reviewing medical records and training medical staff on appropriate medical treatment and billing codes. Getting a CCS® certification indicates your expertise and significantly boosts your employability and career prospects.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS®). You can take courses to learn all the procedures and coding strategies necessary to excel during the certification program and in your career.
These professionals update patient records and perform reimbursement logging operations. They also possess excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills. Getting a medical coding certification to work in this role improves your professional capabilities.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT®). You can become a health information coder with this certification as it helps you understand how to manage administrative matters effectively.
Some of the daily tasks of a certified outpatient coder include ensuring proper coding for documentation and maintaining patient records. The role typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field. A COC® certification and coding experience can further improve your chance of succeeding in the field.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Outpatient Coder (COC®). This certification focuses on modern outpatient coding techniques and teaches the best ways to handle patient records.
As a certified medical coder, your job involves translating patient information into medical code. You may analyze diagnostic information and medical equipment used to determine patient treatment and healthcare reimbursement costs. You can obtain a medical coder certification to demonstrate your professional skills and work remotely, as the role doesn’t require you to be stationed at a physical location.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Medical Coder (CMC®). A CMC® certification can provide first-rate experience in medical coding strategies and other healthcare sectors.
Best Medical Coding Associations
There are various medical coding associations and each one offers numerous perks and advantages, depending on your professional goals and career development plans. Below, we discuss three of the most well-known medical coding associations you can join.
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
The AAPC is one of the most well-known associations for medical coders and auditors. It also offers professional certifications and individual and corporate membership options for healthcare workers. Joining the academy is an excellent way to connect with like-minded professionals and build strong professional networks.
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
This organization prides itself on developing leaders in the medical industry and its members are well-known for their contributions to health information management. Seventy-five percent of its members earn over $50,000 annually, even without a four-year bachelor’s degree. Additionally, it offers industry-recognized certifications to qualified professionals.
Medical Association of Billers (MAB)
This association offers America’s oldest billing and coding certification, the Certified Medical Billing Specialist® (CMBS) credential. While its programs do not award coding certifications, they are valuable to coding and medical billing professionals. You can improve your medical billing and coding knowledge while developing new skills to assist healthcare providers.
Are Medical Coding Certifications Worth It?
Yes, medical coding certifications are worth it because they provide professionals with the qualifications to practice in various healthcare settings. They also boost your administrative skills, career-earning potential, and professional experience. Obtaining a medical coding certification is perfect if you’re after rapid professional development in healthcare management.
Additional Reading About Medical Coding
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Medical Coding Certifications FAQ
You can become a medical coder by completing a certificate or associate degree program from an accredited tertiary institution. One of the best undergraduate options is the Medical Coding Specialist Certificate program at Santa Barbara City College. It offers on-campus and online learning options and is relatively affordable.
No, you don’t need a professional certification to work in medical coding. However, getting a certification improves your professional skills, boosts your employability, and increases your earning potential. You can also connect with other professionals and build strong professional networks.
No, universities do not offer professional medical coding certifications. However, several universities and colleges offer top-class associate and certificate options in medical coding and billing to get an undergraduate qualification. Of course, these do not replace your professional certification.
No, it is not hard to get a job in medical coding. The openings and job opportunities in healthcare are expanding annually, so you can find a suitable role. However, the kind of job you get depends on your experience and educational qualifications, so obtaining certifications and degrees can improve your job prospects.
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